Toys pour in for boy recovering from injuries

Chief says police want boy to have good Christmas

Donations are pouring in for a Plaistow boy recovering from serious injuries police say were the result of abuse.

James Nicholson, 3, was released from a hospital Tuesday, several weeks after he suffered a brain injury that police said was caused by his mother's boyfriend.

Plaistow police said they are now working to make sure the boy has a very good Christmas, and people from across New England are working with them. Donated toys are being collected at the Police Department, and some donations have come from as far as Florida.

Eric Burgland stopped by the department Thursday morning to drop off a toy.

"Every child deserves a toy for Christmas," he said.

A special Disney pin was donated by the U.S. Marshal's Office in Florida, which assisted in the arrest of James' mother, Jessica Linscott, and her boyfriend, Roland Dow. A box of toys was also sent from a school in Seabrook.

"There's a resonance here that kind of struck everybody, and the mere fact that he's only 3 years old presented some compelling issues," said Chief Stephen Savage.

The boy has undergone two brain surgeries, and officials said he also suffered serious burns. Dow has been charged with first- and second-degree assault, and he and Linscott also face charges of child endangerment.

"I don't think any of us understand it," Savage said. "None of us understand it."

Savage said police are looking into setting up some sort of trust fund for James, but there are some significant legal issues that they are still sorting out.

"For those people who wanted to do something financially, we saved all their emails and contact information," Savage said. "We told them it's taking time to do that, and we want to do it right."

The chief said the case hit his department hard, but the chance to play Santa Claus has pulled everybody together. He said it reminds police officers why they put on the uniform.

"This is what we're about," he said. "This is what we're all about, is this little boy."

Savage said the plan is to continue to collect gifts through next week. James is living with his grandmother, and Savage said if she decides there are too many toys, the extras will be donated to a charity of her choice.

Images: Donated toys pour in for recovering Plaistow boy

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James Nicholson

James Nicholson, 3, was released from the hospital Dec. 4. He is recovering from injuries he suffered due to alleged child abuse. Click here for more on the case.

Click through this slideshow to learn more about the wonderful outpouring of support for James.